suzemo

My dirty, guilty pleasure continues.

To be honest, I don't like this book as much as the 1st or 3rd books, though it is a good, solid read.   I kept trying not to rush through some of the portions of the book because I really, really wanted to get to the third book (storm of swords).

Basic plot:

We've got the war of the 5 kings (Joffrey, Renly, Stannis, Rob, Balon). 

Greyjoys become players in this game when Theon sacks Winterfell (after being sent by his father to raid the shores and mocks him for his Stark-behavior),   Stannis and Renly square off - older brother with legit claim vs younger, but more armed brother, but younger brother is killed by magic (Stannis's red priestess's doing).  Rob is marching around tearing up some Lannister ass.    Stannis marches on the red keep (we get the epic Blackwater battle).   Tywin comes and saves the day (with Tyrell money and arms), everyone is saved, yo (poor Tyrion)

Theon pretends to kill the Stark boys, who escape (but no one knows it).  Bran sticks with Jojen, the green-seer son of Howland Reed (the only guy left, btw, who would know who Jon's mother is).  They take off, while Osha takes Rickon away to safety.  Bran learns he is a warg and is lectured/pestered by Jojen.

Arya is running around trying not to be captured.  She serves at Harrenhall and meets Jaquen H'ghar, who is possibly one of the most awesome characters in the TV show.  She escapes with his coin (and help) and with Hotpie and Gendry.

Dany is still wandering around the east.  She makes it to Qarth, gets the awesome House of the Undying prophecy, meets the awesome Quaithe, and gets rescued by Illyrio (well, at least by the people and ships he sends her).

Oh, and the wall - the Night's watch goes beyond (pretty much everyone), we meet Craster, Jon runs off with Quorin and kills him (it's planned)  so that he can join Mance and spy on him while still serving his oath.

Writing is still solid and tight, even if verbose.   Every word counts, and I am seriously enjoying all of the double meanings and prophecies and characters.   I do like the writing, even if I feel guilty for not reading some sort of socially forward series.